Abstract
Obesity in the United States causes a financial strain on the US economy and negative effects on the overall health status of individuals. Nutritional and weight loss counseling is under-utilized in primary care and there is a need to refer patients to a dietitian for nutrition and weight loss education. The purpose of this study was to identify patients with body mass index's (BMI) equal to or greater than 25 in the primary care setting and refer to a dietitian. The aim of study was to analyze relationships between health promoting practices, BMI and socio-demographics. This descriptive cross-sectional study used convenient sampling techniques to recruit 72 non-active duty military participants from an Air Force military base. Data was collected by using Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP) and BMI measurements. Results revealed the mean item score for total HPLP II was 140. Three subscales of the HPLP were the focus of this study which included health responsibility, physical activity, and nutrition. Participants scored highest in nutrition (24) and lowest in physical activity (22). There were minimal differences between HPLP II analyzed subscales and gender, age and BMI. There were noted differences in total HPLP scores among gender, age and BMI.